LOST+BRAIN is really amazing. Amazingly mediocre.

If that didn’t convince you, then read on.

I started this manga because I’m a massive Death Note fan and I wouldn’t pass up on something that’s similar. However, despite not having too much expectation in the first place, it still turned out to be a huge disappointment.

The story is about a genius high schooler who is good at everything, but also bored with all the things and people around him. At a school event, he discovers the powers of hypnotism and attempts to change the world using hypnotism. Up to this point, it’s almost like a Death Note clone. Heck, even the protagonist, Hiyama Ren, gives off similar vibes as Yagami Light.

I like the idea actually, especially as the manga explains further on several hypnosis techniques and explores a few psychological viewpoints. However, as the story progresses, you find yourself watching an unimaginative police investigation drama with a plot as linear as it gets, without the action. There are no thrills and no plot twists. Everything is so predictable and boring. Hiyama basically gets his way 99% of the time without anyone posing as much as a challenge. Even the Japanese police and the government readily bow down to him at the slightest urging. Of course, the brilliant plan thought up by Hiyama is to control everyone through mass hypnotism (yawns).

The story could have been much better if there was stronger opposition, and if hypnotism was used to manipulate people as pieces in a chess game, rather than dropping an atomic bomb (mass hypnotism).

As for the characters, they are all pretty one dimensional. Hiyama is capable inducing the deepest of hypnosis stages in people effortlessly. (This guy doesn’t even need to try.) Other than that, he’s just a deluded egoist. His ideals of a better world are also convoluted and laughable. Itsuki Kuonji, the (supposed) rival of Hiyama, busies himself with pointless investigations (I call it pointless because he is investigating just for the sake of it) throughout the story and makes little contribution. The rest of the characters are simply roadside pebbles.

Artwork: It is decent.

I was going to rate LOST+BRAIN a 5, or even 6 if I’m feeling kind. But alas, the ending was also extremely craptastic. Even at the very end, Itsuki just had to show up and watch Hiyama trip over his own shoelaces. The only reaction I can give is FACEPALM.

Well, enough of my ranting. I can assure you that I’m judging this manga based on its merits. If I were biased enough to bring out my Death Note scale, it would have gotten a 1 for sure. For those who have read Death Note and have nothing better to do, I recommend giving this a try. It can definitely let you appreciate the former better. For others, don’t bother. You’re not missing out on anything.